Like other rising industries in the world, sports management continues to be a highly sought-after and competitive market. Besides the high-salary potential, sports management is an attractive field of business because so many people feel passionate about sports. Many young people grow up in households that put a high value on team sports, little league is very popular with parents who want to keep kids active, and teenagers will always want to emulate their favorite professional athletes while playing junior high and high school sports.
While only a small percentage of high school athletes will go on to play college sports, and an even smaller percentage of collegiate athletes will play at the pro level, many athletes can continue to enjoy the camaraderie and competitiveness experienced in sports by seeking a job in sports management. Whether you are a former athlete or have never even played organized sports at any level, a career in sports management can be a satisfying one. There is no better way to begin a career as a sports manager than to pursue an online Bachelor's degree in Sports Management. While a traditional undergraduate degree in Sports Management can be worth the time and expense, the online version of this program has several benefits, which are listed below.
Convenience
A four year-degree is a huge commitment. While many students are unable to pay the out-of-state expenses associated with most programs, an online degree gives a student the ability to consider programs offered all over the country. Instead of having to move to another state, a student simply logs in for each class and has access to the same instructors his classroom counterpart does. Another benefit to an online degree is the flexibility of arranging the coursework around a work or personal schedule instead of having to sign up for static classes offered at pre-determined times each week for an entire semester. Many of the nation's best business schools also offer accelerated eight-week terms, which allow students to complete their degree in a much shorter time frame.
Curriculum
At its inception many years ago, online coursework struggled to offer the same quality experience available in the classroom. Those days are over. Many schools tout their curriculum as being designed and delivered by the same staff that offers their classroom coursework. Some programs take it even a step further by offering online students the opportunity to learn in cohorts and some even offer mentor-relationships with upperclassmen, professors, and program alumni. Taking classes online offers some creative opportunities that cutting edge programs are taking full advantage of and distance learners are reaping the benefits.
Cost
There are many expenses to take note of when considering any degree. Besides tuition, books, and other resources needed for each class, students are responsible for living expenses that many times will force them to get a part-time job or go into debt with student loans. While living on campus may include an expensive dorm with a required meal plan, living off-campus means needing to find roommates. Then there is the commute to campus with parking fees and the time it takes to get from the parking lot to the classroom. An online degree can make a lot of sense economically. As for tuition, an online degree will often be delivered at the same cost that state residents pay. Many of the peripheral expenses are taken care of as there is no need to live on or near the physical campus of the college you are receiving your degree from, and you can avoid other expenses like parking fees and childcare.
Pursuing an education in sports management will involve hard work and dedication. There is a fair share of competition and challenges in the field. Seeking an online Bachelor's degree in Sports Management is an excellent way to prepare for a dream job in the sports and entertainment industry.